Mark Weatherford

John Perren

The Importance of a Strong, Independent Legal and Regulatory Framework for Security

The regulatory body should implement the legislative and regulatory framework and have adequate authority, competence, and financial and human resources. If the regulatory authority is not responsible, or only partially responsible for security, governmental entities which are authorized to secure nuclear and radiological materials and associated facilities should likewise have adequate authority, competence and financial and human resources. These governmental organizations should closely coordinate their activities to implement the national security framework. This session will explore criteria for a strong national security framework.

Design Basis Threat/Threat Assessment

In developing a design basis threat, a comprehensive regulatory framework for security takes into account both national and international threats (physical and cyber), and constantly evolving adversary tactics and capabilities. This session will describe how various regulators approach the development and implementation of the design basis threat, coordination with other organizations, and address the challenges associated with a dynamic threat environment.

Information Protection/ Confidentiality

National programs for protection of classified and sensitive information for the physical protection and safeguarding of nuclear materials or facilities require that such information is protected against unauthorized disclosure. This session discusses the methodologies associated with information protection.

Personnel Trustworthiness and Reliability

Access to nuclear facilities by workers requires an assurance that the worker is trustworthy and reliable. This session discusses current processes and enhancements to behavioral observation programs by incorporating indicators of unusual behavior for individuals who have been granted access to nuclear facilities.

Safety and Security Interface

The interface of safety and security programs at facilities with nuclear and radioactive materials requires ongoing evaluation. Management and assessment of the potential conflicts between security activities and other facility activities that could compromise either plant security or plant safety need regular review. This session discusses this relatively new area of regulation and how it is progressing.

Inspection Program

The composition of a sound regulatory body or other national authority with security responsibility includes oversight of regulatory requirements through inspection, assessment of performance, and enforcement. This session discusses inspection and assessment methodologies.

Response to Security Events

Security programs are developed to address events arising from daily security practices to peaceful demonstrations, to force-on-force assaults. This session discusses how national programs have prepared for, or responded to, the continuum of security events faced by nuclear facilities or events associated with radioactive materials.

International Physical Protection Advisory Service

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) provides advice to Member States to assist them in strengthening the effectiveness of their national physical protection system while recognizing that the ultimate responsibility for physical protection is that of the Member State. This session will discuss the IPPAS program and how it is being implemented.

Source Security

The ineffective, interrupted or sporadic regulatory or management control of radioactive sources has led to serious accidents, malicious acts, and the existence of orphaned sources. Aware that the risks arising from such incidents must be minimized and protected against, this session will discuss national best practices and lessons learned in the application of appropriate regulatory oversight and control.

Cyber Security

Digital computer and communications systems and networks must be adequately protected against cyber attacks. This session discusses the development of regulations and guidance, and the challenges of implementing a program to protect against the cyber threat.

Side Activities

In addition to main conference events, the conferees will be invited to participate in several side activities, including an incident response experience tour at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission headquarters, a performance evaluation demonstration breakout session, and technical poster and tabletop exercise presentations.

Performance Evaluation Demonstration Break-Out Sessions

As a part of the regulatory process, performance-based activities are carried out to understand protective strategies and make exercises as real as possible. Two of these activities involve conducting tabletop exercises and using Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems (MILES). There will be a demonstration of how tabletop exercises are used by the NRC and its licensees to gain insights into protective strategies, identify strong points and possible weaknesses. There will also be a presentation and demonstration of the MILES equipment, including functional characteristics.

Incident Response Experience Tour

Photo ID is required. Attendees are invited to experience the inner workings of the NRC Operations Center, which serves as the focal point for coordinating the Federal response to safety and security events involving NRC-licensed reactor or materials facilities. This session will emphasize the Federal coordination process and the NRC’s role in the Federal response. It will also address the roles and responsibilities of various teams that comprise the NRC response organization and the resources and tools that the NRC utilizes to assess the severity of the emergency and the NRC’s communication protocols.

Technical Poster & Tabletop Presentations

Additional information will be available at a later date. If you register for the event, we will email you when the information is posted online.